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definitions

upend

[uhp-end]
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verb (used with object)

to set on end, as a barrel or ship.
to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.
to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

to become upended.
to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

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RELATED WORDS

dethrone, oust, topple, subdue, depose, eradicate, abolish, crush, subvert, conquer, overcome, unseat, overturn, raze, overrun, vanquish, invalidate, annul, capsize, reverse

Nearby words

  1. updike, john,
  2. updo,
  3. updraft,
  4. updraught,
  5. updrift,
  6. upf,
  7. upfold,
  8. upfront,
  9. upgather,
  10. upgrade

Origin of upend

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for upend

British Dictionary definitions for upend

upend

verb

to turn or set or become turned or set on end
(tr) to affect or upset drastically
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for upend

upend

v.

1823, from up + end. Related: Upended; upending.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper